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Library Policies

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Print Borrowing During COVID-19

Please note that the Sherrill and Moriarty Libraries are currently closed as part of the University's COVID-19 response. As a result, print borrowing is temporarily suspended. Print borrowing policies below may not apply; for example, we have extended due dates and are waiving all fines and fees for items currently checked out from Lesley. Policies for items borrowed from other FLO schools and Commonwealth Catalog members may vary depending on the lending institution; please contact us for questions about items charged from other schools.

Borrowing Policy

Lesley University students, faculty, and staff, as well as select Fenway Library Organization (FLO) members are welcome to borrow materials. Please present your current Lesley University photo ID card (or current FLO card) at the Circulation Desk. Lesley Alumni may borrow materials with an Alumni ID card. Please inquire at the Alumni Relations Office or see our Guide to Library Services for Alumni for more information.

Loan Periods

Books and teaching resource materials circulate for 28 days.

DVDs and Videotapes:

  • Moriarty Library - Videos & DVDs circulate to patrons for 7 days.
  • Sherrill Library - Videos & DVDs circulate to patrons for up to 48 hours.
Reservations may be made at the Circulation Desk. Telephone 617.349.8850 or email libcirc@lesley.edu. Off-campus faculty may request an extension of up to one week.

Reference books and periodicals:

  • Moriarty Library - Reference books circulate to faculty for 48 hours. Periodicals circulate to faculty for 7 days.
  • Sherrill Library - Reference books and periodicals must be used within the building.
Tests must be used in-house (Sherrill Library) by students enrolled in assessment courses.
For more information on circulation policies, please see the chart of borrowing privileges, organized by user category.

Returns

Book drops are located at the Circulation Desks of both Sherrill and Moriarty libraries. When the library is closed, there is a book drop located outside each library entrance.

An additional book drop is located on the 3rd floor of University Hall, next to the Reading Room. Books and videos may be returned there and will be delivered to their home library.

Renewals

  • Books and Teaching Resource Center material may be renewed for two additional 28 day periods unless requested by another patron. Renewal restrictions apply to FLO borrowers.
  • Sherrill Library videos may be renewed for an additional 48 hours.
  • Fines must be paid on all overdue items before they may be renewed.
  • Renewals may be requested using the FLO Catalog Login. You may also renew in person or by phone.

Recalls

All library materials with a 28-day circulation period are subject to recall after 10 days. Please return materials promptly when notified an item has been recalled. Fines are $5.00 per day for recalled items.

Fines

  • Fines are charged on 28-day circulating materials kept beyond the due date at a rate of $0.10 per day.
  • Fines for reserve materials and museum passes are posted on each item.
  • Fines for overdue DVDs and videotapes are $0.50 per hour at Sherrill Library and $1.00 per day at Moriarty Library.
  • Fines for media reserves are $0.25 per hour.
  • Persons with any overdue materials or owing $5.00 or more may not continue to borrow until material is returned and fines are paid.
  • For more information on fines, please see the chart of borrowing privileges organized by user category.

Lost Cards

Library patrons are responsible for the safe return of all materials checked out to their account. Report lost ID cards immediately to Public Safety and the Library Circulation Desk to prevent charges being made against your account.

Lost or Damaged Materials

  • All materials checked out must be returned in the same condition as received. The library requires borrowers to pay for lost or damaged materials and equipment.
  • Borrowers may pay the replacement cost of the item or replace it per the library's specifications. Please consult with the Head of Access Services for specifications. The average price of a lost book is $60.  The average price of a lost art book is $85. The average price of a lost teaching resource kit is $75.
  • Library patrons may be charged reasonable replacement costs for missing or damaged pieces of multi-piece sets, packaging, etc. Access Services staff will determine the cost based on consultation with the appropriate librarian.

Hold Materials

Sherrill and Moriarty Library Items:
  • Patrons may request that currently circulating items be held for them at the Circulation Desk when returned. If the material is overdue or has been renewed, it will be recalled immediately. Materials are held at the Circulation Desk for ten (10) days after their return.
FLO Items:
  • Patrons may request that books at other FLO libraries be delivered to Moriarty or Sherrill Library for convenient pickup. Please submit your request through the FLO catalog by choosing “Make a Request” on the item record screen. You must have an active library account to use this feature. Delivery time is approximately 2 – 4 business days and patrons will be notified by email when their requests have arrived. Delivery service is NOT available for materials located at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA).

Fenway Library Organization

Lesley University Library is a member of the Fenway Library Organization (FLO), a consortium of academic and special libraries in Massachusetts. Materials may be borrowed from full member libraries and select affiliate libraries, upon presentation of a valid consortium identification card available from each institution.
  • Borrowers are responsible for returning items in accordance with the regulations of the individual libraries.
  • A brochure with the individual locations and additional information is available at the main circulation desk.

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